Posted by Raymond G. Wiggins on 02/14/06 00:32

Point well taken. I'll probably avoid any materials produced during that
time. (ex employer is hostile at this point).

The use I was referring to was simply a compiled demo reel of very short
clips. I guess if there's question, I better not use it without an
attorney's OK.

cheers

ray




"Richard Crowley" <richard.7.crowley@intel.com> wrote in message
news:dsquf8$gl4$1@news01.intel.com...
> "Raymond G. Wiggins" wrote ...
>>I have since left a previous employer but wish to use some samples of
>>projects I had worked on during my employment. In doing so, am I opening
>>myself up to legal woes? I intend to use 1-2 second cuts, if that matters.
>>
>> I've heard something about "fair-use".
>
> A great deal hangs on that little word of yours: "use". Nobody
> (even an attorney you hire and pay for) could answer your
> question with so few details.
>
> Many people collect a "reel" of their productions they have
> done during their career. It is useful for showing others your
> abilities, etc.
>
> Chances seem very high, however, that when you produced
> something while in the employ of your previous company, it
> was a "work for hire" and is owned by them. Unless you can
> get their permission, it is likely safe to assume that you do not
> have the legal right to "use" it.
>
> Note also that most people who think they can take advantage
> of "fair use" end up discovering that it doesn't apply in their
> case. But we have no clue what you mean by "use"?
>
> There is a practicing intellectual property attorney who visits
> these newsgroups on occasion. Perhaps he can give some
> guidance (but clearly not an official legal opinion unless you
> hire him :-)
>
> Even if everyone here in this newsgroup said: "yeah! go for it"
> it still wouldn't be a good idea without talking with the legal
> counsel for your present employer, at the very least.
>
>

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